Returning for an action-packed third season of new adventures is "Transformers Rescue Bots," the animated series created for younger TRANSFORMERS fans, on Saturday, November 1, with two back-to-back episodes at 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. ET/10 a.m. and...

SILVER SPRING, Md., Oct. 22, 2014 — Returning for an action-packed third season of new adventures is “Transformers Rescue Bots,” the animated series created for younger TRANSFORMERS fans, on Saturday, November 1, with two back-to-back episodes at 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. ET/10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. PT, on Discovery Family Channel. The series is produced by Hasbro Studios.

The season three premiere of “Transformers Rescue Bots” returns with the episode “Land Before Prime,” where Optimus Prime is forced to embrace his primal side when the Rescue Bots discover a mysterious island filled with dinosaurs. The second episode, “Big Game” features a notorious Big Game Hunter who has set his sights on Optimus Prime and his newly acquired transformation. The season will also showcase how our protective heroes have to be ready for anything, from scientific tech gone awry to unsolved mysteries on their island home. Some adventures are so big that they even take a Dino-Bot (or two) to save the day.

I decided to give it until the 2015 upfront out of fairness. If there ISN’T one for DF or there is but fails to impress (not worthy of posting), this thread’s done. Discovery Networks have their upfronts March-April at various times throughout. The fate of this thread hinges on Hasbro and their offerings.

If the new Transformers series does well with the 6-11 age demographic, CN will treat the show as well as they do Pokémon and give it a stable Saturday morning timeslot they won’t mess with too much. If it’s only meh with the 6-11 crowd or (even worse) skews more towards an older demographic, then it could be in trouble, IMO.

An all-new season of Hasbro Studios’ smash hit animated series My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic will debut on Discovery Family on April 4 with two back-to-back premiere episodes beginning at 11 a.m. ET / 10 a.m. CT. Full of new adventures, characters and discoveries, Season 5 of MLP kicks off with a one-hour special and will explore the magic of the cutie marks as the series goes on.

The premiere episode will see the “Mane 6” meeting newcomer Starlight Glimmer when they are summoned to solve a friendship problem only to find a utopian village in which everyone has given up their Cutie Marks. At first, the village seems a happy place, but it soon becomes clear that Starlight Glimmer has a vastly different and rather sinister view on friendship and the individual talents that make Equestria’s ponies so special.

Further highlights fans can expect in Season 5 include a celebrity guest voice role performed by Tony Award-winner Lena Hall, the show’s 100th episode, fun holiday specials and several new original songs.

This all-new original series brings viewers into the world of award-winning eminent theatrical animal trainer Bill Berloni. Known as a tireless advocate for animals and for casting and cultivating Sandy—the dog featured in the original run of Broadway’s beloved Annie—Berloni possesses the unique ability to transform shelter dogs into stars. FROM WAGS TO RICHES WITH BILL BERLONI (wt) will follow Berloni in his work as an animal trainer, while also spotlighting his dedication to rescue work. Berloni’s personal passion for animal activism has opened up the door to a pool of untapped talent— allowing him to rescue countless homeless dogs, and to give them a second life as stars on stage.

AMERICAN FINDERS (WT)

Ever wanted to go back and thank someone? A family member, a long lost friend, a teacher or even a stranger who did something that changed your life? This all-new series features folks who do just that – meet Mike and Jesse, professional ‘finders’ who will stop at nothing to let people finally say ‘thank you’.

BEASTS BEHAVING BADLY

What happens when the wild world and “real” world collide? This series features the authentic stories behind the best clips of wild animals invading human spaces.

BABIES BEHAVING BADLY

What do babies really do when we aren’t looking? This series shows how the littlest humans mimic their parents, argue with their siblings, and make their point as strongly as they can—sometimes, at inopportune moments.

SECRET AMERICA

Whose face inspired Lady Liberty? What’s in the secret vault behind Mt. Rushmore, and why? If you have ever wondered what the tour guides aren’t saying, this is the series for you.

WHO’S BEEN SLEEPING IN MY HOUSE?

Every house has a history made up of the incredible stories of the families who lived there before you. Join us as we find out who’s been sleeping in your house.

FAMILY MOVIES

Grab the blankets and popcorn! Discovery Family Channel will air over 60 new movies in 2015/16, including some of the funniest, most beloved family-friendly films—like Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (Paramount DWA), Alice in Wonderland (Disney ABC), Where the Wild Things Are (Warner Brothers), and Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (20th Television)—as well as favorite ‘throwback’ flicks, including Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure (Paramount) and The Princess Bride (20th Television).

SPECIALS AND EVENTS

SUMMER MOVIE MADNESS

It’s hot outside—so why not spend your July evening with Discovery Family during our SUMMER MOVIE MADNESS? Tune-in throughout the month to see your favorite family-friendly movies. (Titles to be announced at a later date)

PAWGUST

August finds the country embroiled in the Dog Days of Summer—and what better way to celebrate than by tuning into Discovery Family Channel with your favorite four-legged friend! Throughout August, DFC will showcase your all-time favorite, totally paweseome, animal-themed specials and movies for all to enjoy while you escape the heat! FROM WAGS TO RICHES WITH BILL BERLONI (wt) will premiere in PAWGUST; additional programming to be announced at a later date.

BRING US BACK TO THE FUTURE

Rev up the DeLorean – the future has arrived! 2015 marks the 30th anniversary of the release of Back to the Future, the worldwide cultural phenomenon and highest grossing film of 1985. This October, Discovery Family Channel will commemorate the occasion with a marathon of all three of the franchise’s movies, as well as various interstitials including a “where are they now” look at the cast.

PROJECT THANK YOU

This November, join Discovery Family Channel to showcase the best and most touching stories of families, friends and strangers getting the chance to say ‘thank you’ to the people who changed their lives.

12 DAYS OF OUR CHRISTMAS

Here at Discovery Family Channel, we like to celebrate Christmas in our very own way so we’re livin’ it up with the 12 days of OUR Christmas. Complete with holiday originals, movie favorites and a month of surprises, we’ll be sure to make your holiday fantastic. Programming slate to be announced at a later date.

DAYTIME

LITTLEST PET SHOP SEASON 4

Blythe lives in the big city, right above the Littlest Pet Shop, a day-camp for all types of pets. Her adventures begin when she discovers that she can talk to the animals and joins them on fantastical adventures filled with music.

MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC SEASON 6

In the magical land of Equestria, the studious young unicorn Princess Twilight Sparkle lives in the village of Ponyville where she and her five pony friends teach one another about the most powerful magic of all – the magic of friendship!

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE’S BERRY BITTY ADVENTURES SEASON 4

In Berry Bitty Adventures, Strawberry Shortcake and her friends live in the delightfully quirky community of Berry Bitty City, a miniature town tucked into a strawberry patch. There, she and her friends run shops and go on fantasy adventures that emphasize friendship, teamwork and fun!

Interesting. Daytime will have 4 renewals. Doesn’t look like there’s any new animated series though… but maybe next year? Curious to know the movies they’ll show for the summer since they’re hyping this. They’ve been on a roll picking up a bunch of films lately, which is more than I can say for CN.

Discovery Family Channel will ring in summer with a hearty new helping of Strawberry Shortcake’s Berry Bitty Adventures, which will premiere its fourth season on June 20 at 12:30 p.m. EST / 11:30 a.m. CST, in celebration of the brand’s 35th anniversary. Season 4 introduces three new characters — twins Sweet and Sour Grapes, and Apple Dumplin’ — in 13 half-hour episodes.

With a focus on positive messages about friendship and self esteem, season four of Berry Bitty Adventures will tackle everything from technology, world travel and storytelling to cooking, music and fashion. This third TV iteration of the brand is produced by Iconix Brand Group, which acquired the series this year.

Discovery Family has acquired U.S. rights to the 26 x 22 animated series Dream Defenders, produced by Singapore studio Tiny Island Productions. A premiere date will be announced at a later date.

In the Realworld, 14-year-old twins Zoey and Zane have just moved to the American town of Meridian, where they discover an amazing supercomputer named ZEUS in the attic of their new home. ZEUS has opened a portal to the Dreamworld, where humans rest and recharge. With ZEUS as their sidekick, the siblings must foil the attempts of the evil Icela and other sinister Dreamworld inhabitants bent on turning dreams into nightmares and keep Meridian safe.